Summer Potpourri Talks Series
This all series ticket covers all three talks in the Spring “Potpourri of Social History” talks series, for the discounted price of £12.50 (members £10.00). You may also book each talk individually – see each separate event page. All three talks are on Thursdays at 2pm and last about an hour. Afterwards there will be time for questions and discussion. This is an online talks series using Zoom.
Thursday 24 July “From Log Cabin to the Palace of Westminster… and other true stories“: 2 – 3.15pm with Helen Baggott
Helen Baggott is a passionate collector of postcards and meticulously researches the stories behind them. This talk shares some of those stories. Messages written before the First World War reveal stories from both sides of the Atlantic, beginning with a man born in a log cabin in America who became a UK Member of Parliament. Another postcard opens the door to a family of wealth and a son who appeared in films with David Niven, Errol Flynn and Clark Gable… Finally, there’s a sobering story of how quickly disasters become old news.
Thursday 28 August “Lawson Lies Still in the Thames: The Extraordinary Life of Vice Admiral Sir John Lawson“: 2 – 3.15pm with Gill Blanchard
John Lawson (1615-1665) is a forgotten hero of the English Civil War: He was an ordinary merchant seaman who navigated his way to become a Vice-Admiral; surviving political intrigue, exile, and imprisonment. Despite his republican beliefs he helped ensure the restoration of the monarchy, for which he was knighted. Lawson’s subsequent actions, including establishing a defensive harbour in Tangier, locates his tale within the wider context of England’s transformation into a global political and economic power.
Thursday 25 September “Chimney Stacks and Climbing Boys: the Art and Mystery of Chimney Sweeping“: 2 – 3.15pm with Claire Moores
This talk follows the evolution of chimney sweeping over more than 500 years, including changes in building materials, and architectural design as well as increased public health awareness which all played their part in changes in legislation and prevailing attitudes. We look at the everyday life of a chimney sweep, with particular detail given to the experiences of young male apprentices, who were a vital part of this dangerous occupation, uncovering emotive and scandalous real life stories of backbreaking work and of some who never came home.
Zoom Talk Requirements
To join these talks, you will need a computer device with speakers. Ideally, also a webcam and microphone. You also need to be able to access the internet from it. First-time users of Zoom, will need to download a small piece of software – included in the link.
How to Book
Pre-booking is required because places are limited. Full joining instructions will be emailed to attendees in advance. Bookings close one day before the first event.
To book – scroll down.
Date
- Thu 24 Jul 2025
Tickets
- £12.50
Organiser
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The Centre - Berkshire FHS
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Email
booking@berksfhs.org.uk -
Website
https://berksfhs.org/branches/
Speakers
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Gill BlanchardGill Blanchard is a professional house historian, genealogist, writer, and tutor. She has an academic background in history, sociology and politics and has been a full time historical researcher since 1992. She set up her own research business called Past Search in 1997, qualified as an adult education tutor the following year, and is a full member of AGRA.
Gill is the author of several research guides, biographies and local histories, including Tracing Your House History, Tracing Your Ancestors: Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, and Writing Your Family History (Pen and Sword Books). She is a regular contributor to national family history magazines and other journals and has conducted much background research for authors, journalists and academic researchers, including the BBC Who Do You Think You Are? television series.
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Helen BaggottFreelance editor & writerHelen Baggott is a freelance editor, writer and speaker. For as long as she can remember, she has loved writing and the research that goes with it.
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Claire MooresClaire is an independent history researcher with over 20 years experience of genealogical and local historical research projects. She has a particular interest in the landscape and social history of Cheshire.